The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied prior to September 26, 2003. As of that date, the Veteran's condition warranted an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. The Veteran was granted TDIU as of September 26, 2003.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's back disability did not warrant a higher rating prior to September 26, 2003 and warranted an evaluation in excess of 50 percent as of that date.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back pain syndrome, L5-S1 discogenic disc disease, L2-L4 discogenic disc disease, Degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2012
- Citation
- 1203580
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1203580.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's bilateral knee instability is rated at 30 percent, effective May 21, 2014. The case is remanded for further examination and rating considerations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative changes of both knees are restored to their previous levels, effective June 1, 2008.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative changes, right and left knee lateral instability, as well as TDIU due to inadequate examination findings and need for additional development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's low back pain syndrome with L4-L5 discogenic disease and herniated disc is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.